Dar es-Salaam

Tourist Attractions in Dar es-Salaam

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Dar es-Salaam. Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps.

12 Attractions
4.4 Average rating
6 Categories

About Dar es-Salaam

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s bustling port city and former capital, sits on the Indian Ocean with a lively waterfront, palm-fringed beaches, and a cosmopolitan pulse. It blends Swahili, African, and Arab influences into a welcoming, energetic vibe, thriving markets, street food, and a growing arts scene. Visitors can explore the Makumbusho Village Museum and National Museum for a window into Tanzanian culture, browse the Mwenge Wood Carvers Market, or wander the colonial-era streets of the Oyster Bay waterfront. Day trips or ferries to Bongoyo Island or Zanzibar add snorkeling, dhow sails, and island time, while modern neighborhoods offer vibrant nightlife and superb seafood.

Top-12 Tourist Attractions in Dar es-Salaam

Mikumi National Park — National park, rated 4.4/5 1
National park Park

Mikumi National Park

4.4 ★★★★★ 8,625 reviews

Mikumi National Park, Tanzania's accessible safari haven a few hours' drive from Dar es-Salaam, spans rolling plains, dense Miombo woodlands and riverine habitats along the Mkata Floodplain. It offers a classic African big‑game experience with elephants, giraffes, buffalo, hippos and lions, plus endangered cheetah and abundant birdlife. What makes Mikumi special is its easy, malleable safari tempo—from self‑drive routes to guided game drives—plus dramatic waterholes that attract wildlife year‑round. Visitors can expect vast scenery, up-close wildlife viewing, and the chance to combine a short break with a broader safari circuit.

Tanzania
Good for kids Dogs allowed Cards accepted
Entrance Parking
The Slipway — Market, rated 4.5/5 2
Market Shopping Mall

The Slipway

4.5 ★★★★★ 2,547 reviews

The Slipway is a beloved waterfront market and shopping complex on Dar es Salaam’s Msasani Peninsula, blending stalls, boutiques, and eateries with marina views. Here you can browse crafts, wood carvings, stylish clothing, and artisanal products, then pause for Swahili-influenced snacks or a breezy al fresco meal. It’s lively and relaxed, with open-air stalls, indoor shops, and occasional live music or events that showcase local talent. Travelers can expect a friendly bargaining culture, sunset-worthy photo opportunities, and a convenient hub for seaside strolls and family-friendly downtime.

67XF+24H, Yacht Club Rd, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Opening hours · Today: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM Open now
  • Monday8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Tuesday8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Wednesday8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Thursday8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Friday8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Saturday8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Sunday8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Cards accepted
Entrance Parking Restroom
Kunduchi Wet "N" Wild Water Park — Theme park, rated 4.4/5 3
Theme park Water ParkFast Food RestaurantAmusement ParkSwimming Pool

Kunduchi Wet "N" Wild Water Park

4.4 ★★★★★ 3,168 reviews

Kunduchi Wet ‘N’ Wild Water Park is a expansive theme and water park on the coast near Dar es-Salaam, Tanzania, blending thrilling slides with tropical gardens by the Indian Ocean. It’s a family-friendly destination offering thrilling water rides, a lazy river, a wave pool, splash zones for youngsters, and shaded picnic areas. Visitors can expect a full day of excitement, laid-back relaxation, and vibrant Caribbean-inspired vibes, with food stalls and ample seating. It’s ideal for hot-weather fun, weekend getaways, and mixing adrenaline-pumped thrills with water-sun downtime.

Kunduchi Water Parks Ltd, Dar es Salaam 00361, Tanzania
Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Open now
  • Monday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Good for kids Cards accepted
Entrance Parking Restroom Seating
Village Museum — Museum, rated 4.4/5 4
Museum Cultural CenterArt Gallery

Village Museum

4.4 ★★★★★ 2,353 reviews

The Village Museum in Dar es-Salaam is a cultural heritage site that brings Tanzania’s diverse rural life to life through recreated traditional huts, craft workshops, and authentic performances. Wander between thatched homesteads representing various ethnic groups, and pause for demonstrations of beadwork, weaving, and drumming that reveal everyday village skills. Visitors can expect guided tours, cultural shows, and tranquil gardens that make for relaxed strolls between exhibits. It’s a family-friendly glimpse into Tanzania’s ancestral traditions, offering context for contemporary art, music, and daily life beyond the city’s bustle.

66FW+WG8, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Open now
  • Monday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom
Kanisa Kuu la Mt. Yosefu (St.Joseph Cathedral Dar es Salaam) — Historic site, rated 4.7/5 5
Historic site Historical LandmarkChurchPlace Of WorshipBook Store

Kanisa Kuu la Mt. Yosefu (St.Joseph Cathedral Dar es Salaam)

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,022 reviews

Kanisa Kuu la Mt. Yosefu (St. Joseph Cathedral) in Dar es Salaam is a landmark Catholic cathedral with a storied place in Tanzania’s history. Built during the colonial era, its exterior blends European Gothic revival elements with local influences, creating a striking skyline presence near the city’s heart. Visitors can expect a calm, reverent interior, ornate stained glass, and historical plaques that illuminate the church’s role in community life over the decades. It’s a compelling stop for architecture lovers, history enthusiasts, and travelers seeking insight into Dar es Salaam’s religious heritage.

Sokoine Dr, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Opening hours · Today: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Open now
  • Monday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entrance Parking Restroom
MWENGE WOODCAVERS MARKET — Museum, rated 4.3/5 6
Museum Cultural Center

MWENGE WOODCAVERS MARKET

4.3 ★★★★★ 2,209 reviews

Mwenge Woodcarvers Market is a lively craft hub in Dar es-Salaam that blends a bustling market with a compact museum-style display of Tanzania’s woodcraft heritage. Here, visitors watch skilled artisans carve and finish intricate sculptures, masks, and wildlife figures, then browse vibrant stalls for affordable souvenirs and authentic pieces. It’s a cultural immersion as much as a shopping stop, offering demonstrations, art chats, and the chance to meet families who sustain traditional techniques. Expect colorful, tactile bargains, friendly bargaining, and a memorable snapshot of East African craftsmanship.

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Opening hours · Today: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Open now
  • Monday7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Cards accepted
Entrance Restroom
National Museum and House of Culture — Museum, rated 4.3/5 7
Museum

National Museum and House of Culture

4.3 ★★★★★ 2,021 reviews

The National Museum and House of Culture in Dar es Salaam offers a concise, welcoming introduction to Tanzania’s history, archaeology, natural history and diverse cultures. Housed in a landmark building near the city center, it balances well-presented artifacts with interactive displays that tell the story of ancient trade, colonial era changes, and everyday life across the country. Visitors can expect carefully labeled exhibits, fossil replicas, ethnographic objects, and occasional temporary shows, plus a glimpse of contemporary Tanzanian art and craft. It’s a thoughtful, accessible stop for a quick cultural immersion.

5 Shaaban Robert St, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Opening hours · Today: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM Open now
  • Monday9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom
KSIJ Dar es Salaam - Mosque — Religious site, rated 4.7/5 8
Religious site MosquePlace Of WorshipAssociation Or Organization

KSIJ Dar es Salaam - Mosque

4.7 ★★★★★ 898 reviews

KSIJ Dar es Salaam - Mosque is a prominent religious complex in Dar es-Salaam that serves the KSIJ community and the wider city. It functions as a house of daily prayers, religious education, and community gatherings, with a tranquil courtyard and a prayer hall that can accommodate large crowds during Friday services. Visitors can expect a respectful, quiet atmosphere, modest dress, and guidance on etiquette; many mosques welcome non-Muslim guests outside prayer times. The site offers insight into local religious life and a chance to observe traditional ceremonies and charitable activities.

57JP+R3X, Indira Gandhi St, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Entrance Parking Restroom
Askari Monument (Mnara wa Askari) — Historic site, rated 4.5/5 9
Historic site Historical LandmarkHistorical Place

Askari Monument (Mnara wa Askari)

4.5 ★★★★★ 1,017 reviews

The Askari Monument, or Mnara wa Askari, is a towering World War I memorial saluting the African soldiers who fought for German East Africa. Erected in the late 1920s, this white stone column crowned with a bronze statue of an askari stands in a busy Dar es-Salaam square, a living reminder of the city’s colonial past. Travellers visit to admire the sculpture, read commemorative plaques, and glimpse the surrounding colonial-era architecture. It’s a compact, poignant stop that pairs history with city life and photo-worthy angles.

31 Samora Ave, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours Open now
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Good for kids
Entrance
Mbudya Marine Reserve — National park, rated 4.5/5 10
National park Park

Mbudya Marine Reserve

4.5 ★★★★★ 764 reviews

Mbudya Marine Reserve is a protected island and fringing reef just off Dar es-Salaam, forming part of Tanzania's Dar es-Salaam Marine Reserves. Ideal for a day trip, it offers pristine beaches, turquoise water and excellent snorkeling among coral gardens. Visitors can expect calm coves, friendly guide boats, and a snapshot of coastal life without the crowds of distant beaches. Snorkelers glimpse vibrant reef fish, sea turtles, and occasional dolphins, while picnics and warm, powdery sand create a relaxed escape. Respect the fragile habitat and leave no trace.

1016 Buzwagi St, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Opening hours · Today: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Open now
  • Monday7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Good for kids Dogs allowed
Salaam Cave Aquarium, rated 4.1/5 11

Salaam Cave Aquarium

4.1 ★★★★★ 1,194 reviews

Salaam Cave Aquarium in Dar es-Salaam is a remarkable underground attraction that blends natural cave beauty with a hands-on freshwater aquarium experience. Guided paths wind through dim galleries where stalactites shimmer above tranquil pools and tanks showcase endemic fish and reef species. Expect engaging talks, photography moments, and a short subterranean boat ride that reveals hidden channels and crystal formations. The experience champions conservation and local storytelling, offering a memorable glimpse into Tanzania’s aquatic habitats and cave ecosystems for all visitors.

Kizimkazi Dimbani, Tanzania
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours Open now
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Good for kids Parking Cards accepted
Restroom
Water World — Theme park, rated 4.1/5 12
Theme park Water ParkAmusement Park

Water World

4.1 ★★★★★ 912 reviews

Water World in Dar es-Salaam is a vibrant, all-ages theme park built around a lively water playground. Visitors can cool off on a mix of adrenaline-pumping slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and interactive splash zones, interspersed with shaded lounging areas and snack pavilions. The park blends local coastal scenery with modern attractions, offering family-friendly fun, photo-worthy viewpoints, and live entertainment on select days. Expect efficient facilities, friendly staff, and plenty of sun, making Water World a go-to summer escape for locals and travelers seeking relief from the heat.

86CF+29P, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Open now
  • Monday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Good for kids Cards accepted
Entrance Parking Restroom